Big Sur, California, is a scenic and remote area along the Central Coast of California, known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged coastline, and redwood forests. While there are no airports directly in Big Sur, there are several nearby airports that offer convenient access to this stunning region. In this article, we will rank the closest airports to Big Sur, California, to help you plan your trip.
Why Fly to Big Sur?
Before we dive into the list of airports, let's explore why you might want to fly to Big Sur in the first place. Big Sur is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxing getaway. The area offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, surfing, and scenic driving along the famous Highway 1. By flying to one of the nearby airports, you can easily access Big Sur and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Ranking the Closest Airports to Big Sur
Here are the closest airports to Big Sur, California, ranked by distance and convenience:
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Distance to Big Sur: 20 miles (32 km)
Drive Time to Big Sur: 30-40 minutes
Monterey Regional Airport is the closest airport to Big Sur and offers the most convenient access to the area. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Benefits of Flying into Monterey Regional Airport
- Convenient location: Monterey Regional Airport is located just a few miles from Highway 1, making it easy to access Big Sur.
- Short drive time: The drive from the airport to Big Sur takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Rental car options: Several rental car companies have desks at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, and Hertz.
- San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Distance to Big Sur: 75 miles (121 km)
Drive Time to Big Sur: 1.5-2 hours
San Jose International Airport is a larger airport that offers more flight options and competitive prices. While it's not as close to Big Sur as Monterey Regional Airport, it's still a convenient option.
Benefits of Flying into San Jose International Airport
- More flight options: San Jose International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
- Competitive prices: You may be able to find cheaper flights into San Jose International Airport compared to Monterey Regional Airport.
- Rental car options: Several rental car companies have desks at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, and Hertz.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Distance to Big Sur: 120 miles (193 km)
Drive Time to Big Sur: 2.5-3.5 hours
San Francisco International Airport is a major airport that offers a wide range of flight options and competitive prices. While it's not the closest airport to Big Sur, it's still a convenient option if you're coming from a distant location.
Benefits of Flying into San Francisco International Airport
- Wide range of flight options: San Francisco International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
- Competitive prices: You may be able to find cheaper flights into San Francisco International Airport compared to Monterey Regional Airport.
- Rental car options: Several rental car companies have desks at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, and Hertz.
Getting to Big Sur from the Airport
Once you arrive at one of the airports listed above, you'll need to get to Big Sur. Here are some options:
- Rental car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to get to Big Sur. Several rental car companies have desks at each of the airports listed above.
- Taxi or shuttle: You can take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to Big Sur. This option is more expensive than renting a car but can be convenient if you don't plan to explore the area extensively.
- Public transportation: You can take public transportation from the airport to Big Sur, but this option is not recommended as it can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Conclusion
Big Sur, California, is a beautiful and remote area that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery. While there are no airports directly in Big Sur, there are several nearby airports that offer convenient access to the area. By flying into one of these airports, you can easily access Big Sur and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Gallery of Big Sur
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Big Sur?
+The closest airport to Big Sur is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY).
How do I get to Big Sur from the airport?
+You can rent a car, take a taxi or shuttle, or use public transportation to get to Big Sur from the airport.
What are the best things to do in Big Sur?
+Big Sur offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, surfing, and scenic driving. You can also explore the area's stunning natural scenery, including the coastline, redwoods, and beaches.